Cleary Gottlieb announced Sebastian Alsheimer will join the firm as a partner and head of its Shareholder Engagement and Activism Defense practice, based in New York, as the firm continues to expand its public company platform.
Alsheimer focuses exclusively on shareholder activism and will work with Cleary partners across corporate and litigation practices globally, advising public companies on engagements with activist investors and dissident shareholders. The firm said it supports clients in preparing for and defending against activism campaigns and the governance and strategic issues that such situations can raise.
Cleary highlighted Alsheimer’s experience representing both public companies and prominent activist investors, describing it as a differentiator that brings “deep understanding of the activist playbook” to board and management advisory work. The firm said Alsheimer has worked on more than 400 activism situations and most recently led the activism practice at another international law firm.
The hire is part of Cleary’s broader strategy to invest in its shareholder engagement and activism capabilities within its public company group, following a year the firm described as marked by foremost transactions and client wins, as well as organic and lateral partner growth.
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“Shareholder activism is a feature of the market that few public companies can avoid today. Activist activity has increased significantly over the past decade, and adding Sebastian as a recognized leader in the space will expand the capabilities we offer to our public company clients, creating more opportunities to work with boards and senior leadership on solutions.”
Jeff Karpf
“As Cleary’s leading public company platform continues to grow and evolve, so does our shareholder activism work. Sebastian’s 360-degree understanding of the activism space and his record of skillfully resolving high-stakes situations will be an fantastic asset to our clients in the U.S. and abroad.”
Francesca Odell
“Shareholder activism is booming, both in the U.S. and around the world. Cleary is a storied American law firm with a global reach and a stellar client base, handling the most sophisticated and high-profile matters for its clients, and there is a great opportunity to further grow the activism defense practice and serve as the go-to resource for public companies facing these campaigns.”
Sebastian Alsheimer
